2010 Dynasty Rankings: Top 15 First Baseman: A First Look

Many of the top first baseman in the league are still just entering their prime.  Of the top eight from our yearly league rankings (click here  to view), the oldest is Ryan Howard, who turns 30 in November.  While that doesn’t call for many changes at the top, the bottom half certainly saw some movement so let’s see how they look:

1. Albert Pujols - St. Louis Cardinals
2. Mark Teixeira - New York Yankees
3. Miguel Cabrera - Detroit Tigers
4. Prince Fielder - Milwaukee Brewers
5. Ryan Howard - Philadelphia Phillies
6. Justin Morneau - Minnesota Twins
7. Mark Reynolds - Arizona Diamondbacks
8. Adrian Gonzalez - San Diego Padres
9. Kevin Youkilis - Boston Red Sox
10. Joey Votto - Cincinnati Reds
11. Kendry Morales - Los Angeles Angels
12. Pablo Sandoval - San Francisco Giants
13. Lance Berkman - Houston Astros
14. Victor Martinez - Boston Red Sox
15. Derek Lee - Chicago Cubs

• Howard vs. Fielder is an interesting debate for yearly league owners and it is even more so for dynasty league owners.  The advantage that Fielder has between the two sluggers is that he is five years younger.  They could flop spots as the offseason progresses, but we’ll have to see.  What does everyone else think?
• Both Votto & Morales have a bright future ahead of them, but can you really justify taking them over any of the top nine options?  I just can’t do it myself, even in a dynasty league.  As for which one of the two should come off the board first?  That’s a debate that we’ll certainly delve into.
• Is Pablo Sandoval’s long-term spot going to be at 1B?  Who knows, but having played 26 games there last season he will be eligible in 2010.  With the type of bat he has, you have to like him over some of the older options in the league.
• How many seasons does Lance Berkman have left?  He’ll be 34-years old come Opening Day 2010 and there have already been whispers of possible retirement.  That has to knock him down a few spots compared to some of the younger options, but don’t avoid him altogether.  He certainly still has value for 2010.
• Where did Derek Lee’s power surge come from?  It’s something that we certainly will look at carefully, but the 45.7 percent flyball rate is well out of character for him.  He also hasn’t shown the potential to continue his HR/FB of 17.9 percent.  He’s 34-years old, and with a decline expected, he falls below Berkman & V-Mart (at least for now).

What are your thoughts on these rankings?  Who should be higher?  Who should be lower?

Previous Dynasty Rankings:

• Catchers

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